The Skinny on Obesity

The obesity epidemic as a proportion of human population has effectively gone off the charts so to speak. Statistically that is. The past 30 to 40 years have shown a more than statistically significant departure from the norm. So, the question that arises is, why? If something in our food consumption has changed then what is it? This University of California TV series explores some of the latest science and understanding which reveals insights in to the systemic changes that are clearly affecting our health and in fact the weight of the issue can be measured in more than pounds..., it can be measured in cost, quality of life, and may even be altering the health of our genetic health in relation to normative assessments.

Obesity rates are increasing worldwide. Why?

So what's the skinny on obesity?

Well, it depends on which aspect you are looking at? Without looking in depth when you consider the impacts there are some really important things to look at. As obesity increases in our schools, in infancy, and across the country, so does the cost of healthcare in America.

Individual Health & Well Being

We are, as humans, bio-chemical engines that process energy in order for us to do the things we do. When our engine is not running well we feel run down, like an old car you might say. The type of fuel we put into our engines affects our performance. This is a well known fact so delusional arguments and red herrings do not serve us well. We are what we eat. And if we don't eat right we are doing a disservice to ourselves.

Economic Health

Let's face it, being unhealthy costs money. The symptom, cause, and disease relationship of obesity is tied to numerous disorders. Each of these disorders has a cost associated with it. Let's keep this simple so as not to confuse the issue. Healthcare is expensive in America and companies and individuals are increasingly finding it cost prohibitive. It would be to our advantage to reduce the costs. No bones about it, if we increase health, we reduce cost.

National Security

The health of our economy is a national security issue. The national debt and the debt obligation are both issues that we need to pay attention to. If we don't pay attention, we may not be able to afford needed solutions in the future. Higher levels of obesity reduce the percentage of people that qualify for entry to the military.